Reproductions of aquarium life formed from translucent memory retaining polymers and method for reproducing the same

ABSTRACT

An article for use in an aquatic environment comprises a translucent polymer material that is configured to reproduce a form of aquarium life. In embodiments of the invention, the translucent polymer material comprises a highly pliable polymer material capable of substantially retaining its shape, such as, but not limited to, thermoplastics, rubbers, silicones, and Plastigoop®. In further embodiments of the invention, the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured to reproduce can be a sea anemone, a sea plant, a sea weed, live coral, a scallop, a clam, a sea cucumber, a sea apple, a nudibranch, or a jellyfish. In another aspect of the invention, a process for reproducing articles configured to reproduce aquarium life comprises processing an appropriate polymer material, and in other embodiments, further processing one or more additives, such as dyes, whereby an article reproducing one or more types of aquarium life is formed.

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to the field of artificialaquatic plants and sea life, and more particularly, to reproductions ofaquarium life formed from translucent memory retaining polymers, andmethods for reproducing the same.

[0003] 2. Background Information

[0004] Aquatic environments, such as aquariums, fish tanks, vivariums,or other aquatic displays, often contain any of an assortment of plants,shrubbery, and sea life as part of their landscape. These landscapedisplays can serve many uses, from beautifying the aquatic scenery toproviding a stimulus for fish and other sea or amphibious creatures thatinhabit the aquatic environment.

[0005] Live plants, such as sea weed, are often used in aquariums for anumber of reasons. They are soft and provide a good stimulus for fish orother inhabitants, as fish will often play and interact with the plants.Also, live plants tend to gently sway and wave with the water as thewater circulates within the aquarium. This motion by the live plantsmakes the overall appearance of the aquarium more pleasing, as well asproviding a better stimulus for fish.

[0006] Similarly, live sea life is often used to beautify the landscapeof an aquarium. Popular forms of sea life used in aquariums include seaanemones, corals, scallops, clams, sea cucumbers, and sea apples. Theseforms of sea life are particularly engaging because of their vibrant andluminous colors.

[0007] Unfortunately, there are a number of drawbacks associated withthe use of live plants and live sea life in aquariums. Regarding liveplants specifically, the environmental conditions necessary to allowlive plants to thrive also tend to promote the growth of algae in theaquarium. This algae must either be treated chemically, physicallycleaned, or hopefully eaten by the fish or other sea creatures living inthe aquarium. Otherwise the water can become polluted and any glasswalls in the aquarium tend to then become dirty. The growth of algaeoften requires the owner or care taker of the aquarium to change thewater more frequently than may otherwise be necessary. Another drawbackto live plants is that they require a lot of care. The proper lightingconditions, water hardness, and water temperature are all required toenable most live plants to thrive in an aquatic environment.

[0008] Some of the drawbacks to using live sea life are similar to thoseof live plants. Like live plants, live sea life must also have theproper lighting conditions, water hardness, and water temperature tothrive. Other drawbacks include the tendency of the live sea life tomove about the landscape and reposition themselves in locations that arenot ideal for viewing. For instance, sea anemones tend to move to thefront of an aquarium and plant themselves against the smooth surface ofthe front pane of glass.

[0009] The common drawbacks of live aquarium life, namely their need forparticular environmental conditions, can also present further problems.Since fish inhabiting an aquarium also require certain environmentalconditions, problems can arise when the environmental conditionsrequired by the live plants and sea life conflict with the environmentalconditions required by the fish. Aquarium life must be found that cancoexist in the same environment as required by the fish, and findingsuch plants and sea life can be a costly trial and error exercise. Andin the case of live plants, once the proper plants are found, anotherproblem that often arises is that the fish or other sea creatures willoften feed on them. Thus, there are many drawbacks associated with theuse of live plants and sea life in such aquatic environments.

[0010] Artificial plants are another option for use in aquariums. Theseplants are typically made from rigid plastics and do not suffer from thedrawbacks of live plants, such as the accompanying algae growth,requiring certain lighting conditions, water hardness levels, and watertemperature levels, and potentially being eaten by sea creaturesinhabiting the aquarium. Unfortunately, known artificial plants are notas visually appealing as live plants due to their color, texture, andrigidity. Artificial plants tend to look artificial. Furthermore, knownartificial plants do not add nearly the same level of beauty that thecolor and luminescence of sea life can provide to an aquarium.Accordingly, improved forms of artificial aquarium plants and life aredesirable.

SUMMARY

[0011] The drawbacks and limitations of known live and artificial plantsand sea life have been substantially improved upon by the presentinvention.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the invention, an article for usein an aquatic environment comprises a translucent polymer material thatis configured to substantially resemble a form of aquarium life. Inanother embodiment of the invention, a translucent polymer materialcomprises a highly pliable polymer material capable of substantiallyretaining its shape. In further embodiments of the invention, a form ofaquarium life that a translucent polymer material is configured tosubstantially resemble can be that of a sea anemone, a sea plant, a seaweed, live coral, a scallop, a clam, a sea cucumber, a sea apple, or ajellyfish.

[0013] These and other aspects of the invention will be more apparent inview of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodimentsand the accompanying drawings thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 illustrates a reproduction of a live sea anemone accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 2 illustrates a reproduction of a live coral according to anembodiment of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 3 illustrates a reproduction of a live clam according to anembodiment of the invention.

[0017]FIG. 4 illustrates a reproduction of a sea cucumber according toan embodiment of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 5 illustrates a reproduction of a sea apple according to anembodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIG. 6 illustrates a reproduction of an electric scallop accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating areproduction of aquarium life using an injection-molding process inaccordance with one aspect of the invention.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating areproduction of aquarium life using a curable polymer in accordance withone aspect of the invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating areproduction of aquarium life using an extrusion process in accordancewith one aspect of the invention.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating areproduction of aquarium life using a blow molding process in accordancewith one aspect of the invention.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating areproduction of aquarium life using a reactive polymer process inaccordance with one aspect of the invention.

[0025] In the drawings, like features are typically labeled with thesame reference numbers across the various drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention comprisesreproductions of a variety of forms of aquarium life that are made fromtranslucent materials, and in particular, translucent, highly pliablepolymers. The term “aquarium life” as used herein generally refers toplant life and sea life that can be added to an aquarium, or any otheraquatic environment, for any intended use including, for example, thebeautification of its landscape.

[0027]FIG. 1 illustrates a reproduction 100 of a sea anemone. Seaanemone reproduction 100 comprises a body 102 and a plurality oftentacles 104. As will be described below, body 102 and tentacles 104may be formed, in one embodiment, from a translucent and pliable polymermaterial.

[0028]FIG. 2 illustrates a reproduction 200 of a coral. Coralreproduction 200 comprises primarily a body 202. Body 202 may also beformed, in one embodiment, from a translucent and pliable polymermaterial, as is described below.

[0029]FIG. 3 illustrates a reproduction 300 of a clam. Like sea anemonereproduction 100 and coral reproduction 200 above, clam reproduction 300also comprises primarily a body 302 that may be formed, in oneembodiment, from a translucent and pliable polymer material.

[0030]FIG. 4 illustrates a reproduction 400 of a sea cucumber, whichcomprises a body 402 and branches 404. Both body 402 and branches 404may be formed, in one embodiment, from a translucent and pliable polymermaterial.

[0031]FIG. 5 illustrates a reproduction 500 of a sea apple, whichcomprises a body 502 and branches 404. Branches 404 for sea cucumberreproduction 400 and sea apple reproduction 500 can, in someembodiments, be either similar or identical. Again, both body 502 andbranches 404 of sea apple reproduction 500 may be formed, in oneembodiment, from a translucent and pliable polymer material.

[0032]FIG. 6 illustrates a reproduction 600 of an electric scallop.Electric scallop reproduction 600 comprises a body 602 and tentacles104. Tentacles 104 in FIG. 6 may, in some embodiments, be either similaror identical to tentacles 104 of sea anemone reproduction 100 of FIG. 1.As with the other reproductions of FIGS. 1-5, body 602 and tentacles 104of electric scallop reproduction 600 may, in one embodiment of FIGS.1-5, be formed from a translucent and pliable polymer material.

[0033] In should be noted that all of the above forms of sea life comein a variety of different sizes, shapes, and colors. Also, the size,shape, color, and number of tentacles 104 and branches 404 may varywidely in various embodiments without departing from the scope of theinvention. Moreover, the precise species or types of sea life reproducedneed not be among those illustrated in FIGS. 1-6, and those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that there are many types of sea lifewhich can be reproduced, including for example known sea life, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 1 to 6 aremerely representative examples of some of the variations that can bemade, and should not be interpreted as limitations on the invention.

[0034] As mentioned above, an artificial reproduction of aquarium lifein accordance with one embodiment of the invention may be formed fromone or more polymer materials. The term polymer as used herein refers toany type of plastic, polyisoprene, silicone, fluorosilicone, rubber, orany resilient or elastic material, or any blend thereof, manmade ornatural, and refers to any materials that have characteristics or traitssimilar to those specified below. The polymer materials chosen for usein forming reproductions of aquarium life must have a plurality of thefollowing characteristics. One characteristic is that the polymermaterials must be translucent. The use of a translucent polymer materialallows dyes and pigments to be added to the polymer so that artificialaquarium life can be created that is colorful and lifelike, and that isa more accurate reproduction of actual aquarium life than can be madewith conventional plastics.

[0035] The use of certain dyes or pigments, when added to a translucentpolymer, can create fleshy tones that are associated with sea life suchas, but not limited to, clams, scallops, jellyfish, nudibranchs, and seaanemones. For instance, some of these colors include, but are notlimited to, muted shades of red, pink, orange, and brown. In someinstances, the dyes or pigments can be used primarily in the interiorportions of the sea life reproductions, while the exterior portions ofthe sea life reproductions remain translucent. This can provide thetranslucent-fleshy appearance that is often seen in these forms of sealife. Also, many forms of sea life, such as sea anemones, scallops, andjellyfish, have translucent features (e.g. tentacles 104) which can bereproduced using a translucent material.

[0036] Different colors can also be used to reproduce other forms of sealife, such as (but not limited to) sea cucumbers and sea apples. Some ofthese colors include, but are not limited to, blues, whites, reds, andpurples. Even brighter colors, including but not limited to vibrantreds, blues, purples, yellows, a variety of fluorescent colors, and evenglow-in-the-dark dyes, can be used in translucent polymers to reproducestill other forms of sea life, such as some types of live corals. Incorals, the translucent, color-filled polymers can also be applied overa rigid interior structure that can be formed from a stiffer polymer orother material, thereby more truthfully reproducing live corals. In bothof these instances, the exterior portions of the sea life reproductionscan hold the dyes or pigments because the reproductions of seacucumbers, sea apples, and corals often require a solid-fleshy, ratherthan a translucent-fleshy, type of appearance.

[0037] Another characteristic for the polymer materials is that they beeither waterproof or able to endure long periods in an aquaticenvironment without substantially degrading. For instance, sponges arenot considered to be waterproof but nevertheless thrive in aquaticenvironments. Many polymers are waterproof, and other polymers that areopen-celled can survive underwater indefinitely.

[0038] Yet another characteristic for the polymers within the scope ofthe invention is that they be highly pliable or resilient or elastic. Inother words, the polymers should have a soft and flexible texture. Forinstance, in one embodiment a polymer that has a supple feel to it andthat is very malleable is preferred. Highly pliable polymers arebeneficial because aquarium life such as plants and sea anemones tend togently sway with any currents moving through an aquatic environment. Anyreproductions of these forms of aquarium life made in accordance withembodiments of the invention should be able to move in a similarfashion. The use of soft, flexible, and pliable polymers can satisfythis requirement. For other reproductions of sea life, such as clams orscallops for instance, less pliable and indeed very rigid polymers canbe used as these forms of sea life do not necessarily sway or move incurrents underwater.

[0039] Regarding the polymers used in reproductions of aquarium lifesuch as plants and anemones, the level of pliability can vary greatly.In aquarium life reproductions where movement is not necessary ordesired, polymers with less pliability can be utilized. In aquarium lifereproductions where it may be desirable for the aquarium life to swaywith water currents or movements, then polymers with higher levels ofpliability can be used. Polymers that have an almost gelatinous yetsolid texture, much like a solid gel, are candidates for these forms ofpliable aquarium life. An example of a polymer with these properties issold under the brand name Plasti-Goop® by ToyMax, Inc. The Plasti-Goop®polymer is used in the Creepy Crawlers™ Bug Maker also sold by ToyMax,Inc.

[0040] Polymers used in the invention are able to retain their shape andare resilient enough to withstand typical stresses they may encounter inan aquatic environment. Such stresses may often include interactionswith fish or other live sea creatures. The polymers should have a“memory” characteristic that allows them to substantially regain theiroriginal form after they have been subjected to stresses or strains fromthe aquatic environment.

[0041] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that any ofnumerous polymers can be used within the scope of the invention.Thermoplastics and elastomers are available that can provide thenecessary properties. Some specific polymers that can be used include,but are not limited to, silicone, latex, polyethylene, polypropylene,polystyrene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, and memory gels. Itshould be noted that thermoplastics or elastomers other than the onespreviously mentioned can also be used, as long as a plurality of theproperties mentioned above are satisfied. Since all of these polymersare available in different formulations, and since the differentformulations will have varying characteristics that are dependent onfactors such as density and chemical additives, those of ordinary skillwill understand that specific formulations of each polymer may besuitable for use in the invention. For example, certain formulations ofpolyurethanes produce flexible foams that can be used in the inventionto form reproductions of moving aquarium life, while other formulationsof polyurethanes produce rigid foams that may not be suitable for someembodiments of the invention. Similarly, those of ordinary skill willunderstand that other polymers listed above will have certainformulations that yield the correct properties that make them candidatesfor use in the invention.

[0042] The artificial reproductions of aquarium life constructedaccording to embodiments of the invention can be formed by severaldifferent methods. The specific method used will primarily be determinedby which polymer is chosen in making the reproduction. Somethermoplastic resins and elastomers, such as polypropylene, polystyrene,and polyurethane, can be formed using an injection-molding process. Insuch a process, melted polymer material is forcefully injected into amold of the aquarium life being reproduced. The mold shapes the plasticinto the desired form, and is generally comprised of twomachined-aluminum or machined-stainless steel halves that are broughttogether before the polymer is injected. The polymer then cools andsolidifies within the mold, and the aquarium life reproduction can thenbe removed.

[0043]FIG. 7 is a flowchart describing a typical injection-moldingprocess for use with some aspects of the invention. At step 700, theinjection-molding process typically begins with a plasticating unit thatmelts a translucent polymer material into a liquid form. The polymer maybe available in a pellet form for this process. A screw within theplasticating unit may shear the polymer pellets as they are heated. Atstep 702, a clamping unit brings the two halves of the mold together andholds the mold closed during the injection process. At step 704, anozzle of the injection unit is coupled to one or more holes in the moldthrough which the melted polymer can enter the mold. At step 706, theinjection unit delivers melted polymer into the mold. Since mostpolymers tends to contract as they solidify, the injection moldingmachine will force extra polymer into the mold. This aids in causing thepolymer to fill out the mold cavity when the polymer solidifies. At step708, the mold is cooled to cause the polymer to solidify. Finally atstep 710, the two halves of the mold are opened and one or more aquariumlife reproductions can be removed. Those of ordinary skill willunderstand that the invention is not limited to the precise injectionmolding process utilized, and that variations in an injection moldingprocess which are known may be used.

[0044] Different additives can be added to a polymer before or duringthe injection-molding process. For instance, in some embodiments of theinvention, dyes or pigments can be added to a polymer melt prior to thepolymer being injected into the mold. In other embodiments, dyes orpigments can be injected into a mold either before, during, or after thepolymer melt is injected. The addition of dyes in these differentmanners can create a variety of desirable designs and effects. Swirls,dispersions, or explosions of color within the polymer can be createdusing such techniques. Also, the introduction of dyes into the moldeither during or after the polymer injection can help create atranslucent exterior with a colorful interior, if such an effect isdesired. Those of ordinary skill will understand that addition of dyesor other additives may be accomplished in any of a variety of knownmethods and the invention is not limited by the specific methodutilized.

[0045] According to another embodiment of the invention, a translucentcurable polymer can be used to form reproductions of aquarium life.Examples of curable polymers include certain silicones andpolyurethanes, as well as the Plasti-Goop® material described above.FIG. 8 is a flowchart describing a typical curable polymer moldingprocess. Beginning at step 800, two halves of a mold are broughttogether. At step 802, the curable polymer is introduced into the mold.At step 804, the mold is heated to cause the polymer to cure andsolidify. At step 806 the mold is cooled, and finally at step 808 themold is opened and one or more aquarium life reproductions can beremoved. As with an injection-molding process, dyes and pigments can beintroduced into the curable polymer at different stages of the processto create colors or effects in the translucent polymer. Those ofordinary skill will understand that a curable polymer may beaccomplished in any of a variety of known methods, and the invention isnot limited by the specific method utilized.

[0046] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, anextrusion process can be used to form reproductions of aquarium life. Anextrusion process is particularly suited for forming certainreproductions of plant life, as well as for forming tentacles 104 orbranches 404 of sea anemone reproductions 100, scallop reproductions600, and sea apple reproductions 500. FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing atypical extrusion process. At step 900, similar to an injectionmoldingprocess described with reference to FIG. 7, an extrusion process maybegin with a plasticating unit that melts a translucent polymer materialinto a liquid form. A screw within the plasticating unit may shear thepolymer pellets as they are heated. At step 902, the melted polymer isforced through a heated die which extrudes the polymer into longstrands. These strands can take on various forms according to the dieused, including fibers, cylinders, and films. At step 904, the extrudedpolymer may be cooled to solidify the polymer in its extruded form. Thecooling may typically be done by extruding the polymer directly into abin or trough of water, which almost immediately solidifies the polymer.Finally at step 906, the extruded polymer may be cut and used to createtentacles 104, branches 404, or certain forms of plant life. Those ofordinary skill will understand that a polymer material may be extrudedin any of a variety of known methods, and the invention is not limitedby the specific method utilized.

[0047] A blow molding process can be utilized in still anotherembodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart detailing a blowmolding process. Starting at step 1000, the polymer material is meltedusing a device such as the plasticating unit described above. At step1002, a clamping unit brings the two halves of the mold together andholds the mold closed during the injection process. At step 1004, anozzle of the injection unit is coupled to one or more holes in the moldthrough which the melted polymer can enter the mold. At step 1006, theinjection unit delivers melted polymer into the mold. Next at step 1008,air is injected into the mold to cause the melted polymer to coat theinterior walls of the mold. This air is generally heated prior to beingdelivered into the mold to prevent the polymer from beginning tosolidify. At step 1010, the mold is cooled to solidify the polymer. Thenat step 1012, the clamping unit opens the mold and the blow-moldedpolymer is removed. The resulting structure may be a hollow, translucentpolymer shell in the shape of the mold. This technique can be used toform one or more hollow reproductions of aquarium life. The hollowcavities within the reproductions can be left empty, or they can befilled with a liquid or solid to create a desired color, texture,density, or other effect. For instance, a hollow shell can be filledwith a colorful gel to give the reproduction a gelatinous feel. Or atranslucent hollow shell can be used as a skin to be placed over anotherreproduction of aquarium life to create a translucent-fleshy look. Thoseof ordinary skill will understand that a polymer material may be blowmolded in any of a variety of known methods, and the invention is notlimited by the specific method utilized.

[0048] According to another embodiment of the invention, reproductionsof aquarium life can be formed using reactive polymers. For instance,certain polymers such as polyurethanes can be formed by reacting twocomponents, for example an isocyanate and a polyol. FIG. 11 is aflowchart describing a reactive polymer process. At step 1100, the twoor more components intended to react and form a polymer are introducedinto a mold and allowed to react. At step 1102 the components react toform a polymer material, and at step 1104 the resulting polymer materialfills the volume of the mold. Catalysts may be added to aid in thereaction, including but not limited to heat and other chemicals orcompounds. Blowing agents can also be added to help the polymer fill theentire mold. At step 1106, the polymer is allowed to solidify.Additional processes may be performed to aid in the polymersolidification, such as cooling the mold. Finally at step 1108, the moldis opened and one or more aquarium life reproductions are removed. In anadditional step, dyes or pigments can be added before, during, or afterthe reactive process, depending on the specific reactive process chosen.Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that reactive polymers may beused in any of a variety of molding processes, and the invention is notlimited by the specific reactive polymers or specific method utilized.

[0049] In still further embodiments, blocks or sheets of polymericmaterial can be cut, carved, or otherwise shaped into aquarium lifereproductions. Dyes and/or other additives can be added to the polymericmaterial before or after it is shaped into reproductions.

[0050] One or more additives other than dyes and pigments can also beused in any of the above embodiments, either alone or in combinationwith the dyes and pigments. For instance, nibble inhibitors can be usedwith a polymer to prevent or discourage fish and other live seacreatures from attempting to eat or chew on the reproductions ofaquarium life. Other additives can also be added to make thereproductions inedible. In addition, any of the above mentioned colorsand dyes, including fluorescent and glow-in-the-dark dyes and pigments,can be used in any of the above mentioned reproductions of aquariumlife.

[0051] As discussed above, the invention provides at least one or moreadvantages to using reproductions of aquarium life formed from atranslucent polymer material. Reproductions may be stationary or may befixed to inhibit movement to undesirable locations within an aquarium.Reproductions may be colorful and may add beauty to an aquariumlandscape. Reproductions can accomplish other functions that real sealife cannot, such as glow-in-the-dark. In some embodiments,reproductions can contain nibble-inhibiting additives. In otherembodiments, reproductions do not promote the growth of algae.

[0052] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat numerous alterations may be made without departing from the scopeof the invention or inventive concepts presented herein. Persons ofordinary skill will appreciate that changes can be made to dimensions,sizing, relative dimensions, materials, blends of materials,combinations of materials, spatial and angular relationships of andbetween components, and manufacturing processes and other commercial orindustrial techniques, all without departing from the scope of theinvention. Also, those of ordinary skill will understand that thevarious components and sub-assemblies described with respect toalternate embodiments may be rearranged, substituted, or combined witheach other and that various process steps and sub-processes describedabove with respect to alternate embodiments may be rearranged,substituted, or combined with each other, all without departing from thescope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not to be limited exceptin accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An article for use in an aquatic environmentcomprising a translucent polymer material that is configured to visuallyreproduce a form of aquarium life.
 2. The article of claim 1, whereinthe translucent polymer material comprises a pliable polymer material.3. The article of claim 1, wherein the translucent polymer material iscapable of substantially retaining its shape.
 4. The article of claim 1,wherein the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer materialis configured to visually reproduce comprises a sea anemone.
 5. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the form of aquarium life that thetranslucent polymer material is configured to visually reproducecomprises a sea plant.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein the form ofaquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured tovisually reproduce comprises a sea weed.
 7. The article of claim 1,wherein the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer materialis configured to visually reproduce comprises a coral.
 8. The article ofclaim 1, wherein the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymermaterial is configured to visually reproduce comprises a scallop.
 9. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the form of aquarium life that thetranslucent polymer material is configured to visually reproducecomprises a clam.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the form ofaquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured tovisually reproduce comprises a sea cucumber.
 11. The article of claim 1,wherein the form of aquarium life that the translucent polymer materialis configured to visually reproduce comprises a sea apple.
 12. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the form of aquarium life that thetranslucent polymer material is configured to substantially resemblecomprises a jellyfish.
 13. The article of claim 1, wherein the form ofaquarium life that the translucent polymer material is configured tosubstantially resemble comprises a nudibranch.
 14. The article of claim1, wherein the translucent polymer material further comprises a colordye.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein the translucent polymermaterial further comprises a fluorescent dye.
 16. The article of claim1, wherein the translucent polymer material further comprises aglow-in-the-dark dye.
 17. The article of claim 1, wherein thetranslucent polymer material further comprises nibble inhibitors. 18.The article of claim 1, wherein the translucent polymer material isformed at least in part of a material selected from the group consistingof silicone, latex, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, memory gel, and Plastigoop®.
 19. Thearticle of claim 1, wherein the translucent polymer material is formedat least in part of a material selected from the group consisting ofthermoplastic and elastomer.
 20. A method for making an article for usein an aquatic environment, wherein the article is configured to visuallyreproduce a type of aquarium life, comprising: melting a translucentpolymer material; closing a mold, wherein the mold has one or morerecesses that are in the form of the type of aquarium life; injectingthe melted translucent polymer material into the mold; cooling the moldto solidify the translucent polymer material; opening the mold; andremoving the solidified translucent polymer material.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising injecting a dye into the mold.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the dye is injected before the translucentpolymer material is injected.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein thedye is injected as the translucent polymer material is injected.
 24. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the dye is injected after the translucentpolymer material is injected.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein thedye comprises a color dye.
 26. The method of claim 20, wherein the dyecomprises a fluorescent dye.
 27. The method of claim 20, wherein thetype of aquarium life that the article is configured to visuallyreproduce is selected from the group consisting of a sea anemone, a seaplant, a sea weed, a coral, a scallop, a clam, a sea cucumber, a seaapple, a nudibranch, and a jellyfish.
 28. A method for making an articlefor use in an aquatic environment, wherein the article is configured tovisually reproduce a type of aquarium life, comprising: closing a mold,wherein the mold has one or more recesses that are in the form of thetype of aquarium life; introducing a curable translucent polymermaterial into the mold; heating the mold to solidify the curabletranslucent polymer material; cooling the mold; opening the mold; andremoving the solidified translucent polymer material.
 29. The method ofclaim 28, further comprising introducing a dye into the mold.
 30. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the dye comprises a color dye.
 31. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the dye comprises a fluorescent dye.
 32. Themethod of claim 29, wherein the dye comprises a glow-in-the-dark dye.33. The method of claim 28, wherein the type of aquarium life that thearticle is configured to reproduce is selected from the group consistingof a sea anemone, a sea plant, a sea weed, a coral, a scallop, a clam, asea cucumber, a sea apple, a nudibranch, and a jellyfish.
 34. A methodfor making an article for use in an aquatic environment, wherein thearticle is configured to reproduce a type of aquarium life, comprising:melting a translucent polymer material; extruding the melted translucentpolymer material through a heated die; cooling the extruded translucentpolymer material to solidify it; whereby the article is formed from theextruded, solidified translucent polymer material.
 35. A method formaking an article for use in an aquatic environment, wherein the articleis configured to reproduce a type of aquarium life, comprising: meltinga translucent polymer material; closing a mold, wherein the mold has oneor more recesses that are in the form of the type of aquarium life;introducing the melted translucent polymer material into the mold;injecting air into the mold to cause the translucent polymer material tocoat one or more walls of the mold; cooling the mold to solidify thetranslucent polymer material; opening the mold; and removing thesolidified translucent polymer material.
 36. The method of claim 35,further comprising filling the solidified translucent polymer materialwith a gelatinous material.
 37. An article for use in an aquaticenvironment comprising a means for visually reproducing a form ofaquarium life, wherein the means confers a translucent property to thearticle.
 38. An article for use in an aquatic environment comprising ameans for reproducing a form of aquarium life, wherein the means confersa pliable property to the article.
 39. The article of claim 37, whereinthe form of aquarium life is selected from the group consisting of a seaanemone, a sea plant, a sea weed, a coral, a scallop, a clam, a seacucumber, a sea apple, a nudibranch, and a jellyfish.
 40. The article ofclaim 37, wherein the means for reproducing a form of aquarium life isformed at least in part of a material selected from the group consistingof silicone, latex, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene,polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride, memory gel, and Plastigoop®.